Fact Check: Did NCT’s Haechan Make “Fatphobic” Comments About His Members’ Bodies?

Recently, NCT‘s Haechan came under fire from fans after allegedly commenting negatively about his members’ weight. Yet, it seems like the comments might have been lost in translation.

A clip from an NCT DREAM live broadcast gained attention after netizens believed Haechan made comments about his members’ weight and shape.

Hc : jeno pay attention to your body

*Jn ignores him*

Hc : Jaemin you too, get in shape
Jm : why me? i don't reveal my body
Hc : no but you have to get in shape as well

when this man will stop being fatphobic? he should stop commenting on the members bodies pic.twitter.com/hPlsnE9bOn

— :3 (@cvntjen) July 10, 2023

When the video was posted online, thousands of netizens shared their anger towards the idol and his comments.

In particular, after previous instances of Haechan being accused of making “fatphobic” comments toward his members, fans wanted to make sure he was educated on the hurt his words could cause.

educate him all u want, tell him all of the things he did wrong, correct him in any way you could BUT DON’T U EVER JOIN THE BANDWAGON TO HATE ON HIM AND TELL HIM INAPPROPRIATE THINGS. U DON’T HAVE A FREE PASS FOR THAT https://t.co/bN7hITFMeH

— lele (@daegalosaurus) July 11, 2023

the part that got me baffled was moving to another member after not getting the reaction u wanted like… too damn grown to be acting like this and finding sumn like this funny https://t.co/aPfH2Qho7C

— َ (@chirinhae) July 11, 2023

for the love of god, jeno being silent is enough signal for haechan to drop the topic.. https://t.co/gkMDloMoea

— (@uaenadreamzen) July 11, 2023

ppl saying “you’re own your own this time” as if this is even the first or second time this type of comment has been made by hc? maybe you just excused him for those times, you didn’t know, didn’t care because to yall he always had to be the victim to you and can’t do no wrong. https://t.co/jmjMcRbooC

— 帝努 (@kingjenolee_) July 11, 2023

Yet, while some netizens were angry, it seems like Haechan’s comments might have different meanings that were not as negative.

While Haechan was speaking about Jaemin’s body, the idol seemingly mentioned Jaemin‘s body. While it can be translated as “shape,” Haechan said something more along the lines of, “You need to take care of your body” twice before then adding, “Jaemin, take care of your body.”

Your browser does not support video.

It’s also tough to really see the meaning behind everyone’s words, as the audio on the video is unclear. There were often times when members were speaking at the same time.

Your browser does not support video.

Although international netizens criticized Haechan’s words, the phrases “You need to get in shape” or “Take care of your body” is commonly used in Korea without malice and can mean someone is worried about you for health reasons.

Korean netizens seemingly came to the idol’s defense, saying that his words were lost in translation. In particular, while the online translation touched upon Jaemin’s “shape,” Haechan was speaking about his body in general, leading to the consensus that he was concerned for his member.

“Haechan's words are a kind of expression of affection for each other. It's something that close people can say, especially idol friends who are sensitive to physical care” pic.twitter.com/r35V5d5Yxp

— haechan rights! (@hyuckslawyer) July 11, 2023

The video gained a lot of attention as many brought up previous times Haechan has been called out for comments about his members’ weight. Yet, with the take from Korean netizens and those who speak Korean, it seems like the comments were harmless and came from a place of affection, not malice.